PGCE Secondary

If you are a graduate with a passion for your specialist subject and a desire to inspire young people, this course is for you! The PGCE Secondary Education degree at Cardiff Met is a one year course that leads to the award of qualified teacher status. The course aims to prepare student teachers to be highly-skilled, confident, critically reflective and innovative practitioners who are committed to life-long professional learning and the education of young people.

The Secondary PGCE is also available to study through the medium of Welsh, TAR Uwchradd.

The course provides professional training for graduates who wish to teach the following subject areas:

Art and Design*

Biology with Science*

Chemistry with Science*

Design & Technology (Product Design, Food and Nutrition, Fashion and Textiles and Engineering Design)*

Drama

English

Geography

History

Information Communications Technology & Computing*

Mathematics*

Modern Foreign Languages (Specialising in either French, French and Spanish, or French and German. Limited French/Italian placements and also limited Spanish placements are available.)*

Music

Physical Education

Physics with Science*

Religious Education

Welsh*

* Subjects applicable to 25% Alumni Discount

To find out more about the individual pathways please visit the UCAS website, or contact the individual pathway leader on the contact details listed under ‘Contact us’.

Please note: ITE courses in Wales have recently undergone an accreditation process by the Education Workforce Council (EWC). Cardiff Metropolitan University will provide PGCE Primary and PGCE Secondary ITE courses as part of the Cardiff Partnership for Initial Teacher Education.

To train to teach at Cardiff Metropolitan University is an exciting opportunity to learn within the Cardiff Partnership for Initial Teacher Education, the only provider of PGCE training in South East Wales to be accredited by the Education Workforce Council.

The Cardiff Partnership for Initial Teacher Education comprises Cardiff Metropolitan University and its associated schools, working in collaboration with University of Oxford, Cardiff University, Central South Consortium (CSC), Education Achievement Service (EAS), and City of Cardiff Council. Together, the Cardiff Partnership collaborates to ensure that our student teachers not only achieve, but seek to surpass the professional standards for QTS through high-quality professional education that is rigorously practical and intellectually challenging.

Graduates will develop the values and dispositions that will enable them to be highly employable and ready to meet the demands of the classroom.

Find out more about the Cardiff Partnership.

A total of 120 days will be undertaken in school during the PGCE Secondary year. 15 of the days will take place in lead partner schools/alliances (LPS/A) where student teachers will be able to focus on key aspects of pedagogy delivered by leading providers of education and professional development in the primary sector. Work-based and University-based learning experiences will be closely integrated and the structure of the programme (one day per week at university/LPS/A and four days per week on clinical practice) will facilitate this.

The PGCE Secondary programme consists of three modules:

Clinical Practice and Professional Accountability 1 (30 credits at level 6)

This module is mainly school-based and takes place during the first half of the academic year. Student teachers will be expected to team teach and independently teach for approximately 45% of the time. The rest of the time provides opportunities for observation, research and enquiry, planning, preparation, and assessment. This module is available through the medium of English or Welsh.

Clinical Practice and Professional Accountability 2 (30 credits at level 6)

This module is mainly school-based and takes place during the second half of the academic year. Student teachers will be expected to mainly teach independently for approximately 65% of the time. The rest of the time provides further opportunities for observation, research and enquiry, planning, preparation, and assessment. For most student teachers, there will be an opportunity to undertake 15 days at the end of the module where they will be able to engage in enrichment activities to build on their strengths/areas for development normally linked to innovation and leadership. The focus will be negotiated with their Mentors and University Tutors, will be bespoke to their needs, and will support them in achieving beyond the Standards for QTS as well as contributing towards their Career Entry Profile. This module is available through the medium of English or Welsh.

Perspectives in Learning and Teaching(60 credits at level 7)

This year-long module contains 8 major aspects:

This large module will draw explicitly on a range of theories, research and other intellectual resources as well as student teachers’ direct experience in schools to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding about learning and teaching. This includes aspects such as human development; the curriculum and education system; additional learning needs; use of data and assessment; and classroom management and organisation. As well as developing knowledge about their chosen subject’s curriculum and pedagogy within this module, student teachers will explore opportunities to work creatively and collaboratively across subject boundaries. At least half of this module is available through the medium of Welsh as well as English.

Welsh development
All student teachers will be allocated 25 hours of direct teaching in relation to Welsh development.

Welsh medium students will receive Gloywi Iaith sessions that will address grammatical elements of the Welsh language and student teachers will be instructed on methods linked to developing pupils’ personal literacy skills and understanding of the socio-linguistic backgrounds of learners.

Welsh learners and emerging Welsh speakers will be taught in streamed groups according to prior experience and qualification and will receive a sound introduction to the Welsh language based on their level of competency. All will develop at least a basic level of Oracy.

Time commitment required
This is a full-time programme and the school-based element requires student teachers to be in school for the normal working school day as well as additional time before and after school for preparation and meetings. A similar professional commitment is required of student teachers when undertaking the university-based element of the course.

The university and school-based teaching and learning opportunities have been designed to complement one another in order to maximise student progress. The methods used emphasise and facilitate student teachers’ critical development skills, and cohere around the integration of research and enquiry, practice and theory. In both University and school settings, student teachers will normally experience both tutor-led learning and self-directed methods of learning, developing increasing independence and reflection as they progress through the course. There will be regular opportunities throughout the course for student teachers to review their personal progress with their tutors and take responsibility for planning and executing their own learning.

In university, the learning and teaching methods used within modules may include lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, all supported via use of Cardiff Metropolitan’s virtual learning environment. In many of the modules, the learning and teaching strategies that will be used will be those with the strongest research evidence of impact on student teacher learning and pupil attainment e.g. microteaching, clinical practice and feedback, metacognition and self-regulation, direct teaching and flipped learning. Where possible, workshops will be delivered in a range of cross-phase, cross-curricular and same subject domains providing plenty of opportunities for student teachers to learn from each other’s varied experiences.

During school-based learning, student teachers will be guided by team teaching approaches as well as engaging in independent teaching, and they will be required to take increasing responsibility for teaching a class, or classes, independently over a sustained and substantial period. Clinical Practice will include directed time for Research and Enquiry; independent and team teaching; and planning, preparation and assessment. In addition, student teachers will receive fifteen training days led by Lead Partnership Schools/Alliances. During these days, a variety of teaching and learning approaches will be employed including examination of school documentation, learning rounds, video-stimulated reflective dialogue, learning walks, learning conversations with pupils or teachers and book scrutiny.

Please note: This is a professional Initial Teacher Education course and successful PGCE applicants should not book holidays during the programme. The programme typically begins in the first week in September and concludes in July.

The course includes two written assignments at level 7 that are staggered throughout the year. Both university assignments build the capacity of student teachers to critically reflect on and evaluate pedagogy and practice whilst enhancing their ability to meet elements of the QTS Standards. In addition, the assignments are designed to develop student teachers’ research knowledge and skills, affording them the opportunity to link theory to practice in a way that will impact positively on pupils, school improvement and their own professional practice. Both Mentors in school and University Tutors will support student teachers through the completion of these assignments. Collaboration with other student teachers will be an integral feature of one of the assignments.

All student teachers will be assessed against the Standards for QTS and must pass all Standards to attain qualified teacher status. During the clinical practice, student teachers will receive ongoing verbal and written formative feedback as well as summative reports. As part of the course, student teachers will gather evidence in demonstrating their attainment and achievement and this will be made available to Personal Tutors so that they can monitor progress at regular intervals. Student teachers’ subject knowledge is audited at the start of the programme, followed by the production of an individual student-generated action plan to address any subject knowledge gaps, with the help of University Tutors. A range of measures are subsequently adopted to ensure that all identified gaps are addressed, including subject knowledge workshops, subject research with school-based mentors, or directed self-study.

Given the centrality of literacy, numeracy and digital competence within the curriculum in Wales, all student teachers will also complete audits in literacy, numeracy and digital competence at the start and at the end of the programmes. Primarily, this will be to help pinpoint strengths and areas for development and to engage in study to fill the gaps in knowledge and skills. Student teachers who might benefit from further support will receive additional support sessions.

Successful completion of the programme will lead to recommendation to the Education Workforce Council for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and provides opportunities for employment at the secondary level. Graduates can obtain work in schools across Wales, the UK and abroad.

The course is designed to provide a wide range of experiences that will provide our graduates with the knowledge, skills and confidence to prepare them well for the world of work. Cardiff Partnership’s Lead Partnership Schools have been identified as leading providers of education and professional development in Wales and so the opportunity to learn from them and within their own environments means that career progression from student teacher to Newly Qualified Teacher should be seamless.

For further information visit the Discover Teaching website.

What can I expect to earn when I start teaching?
Information can be obtained from the Training and Development Agency for Schools website.

Professional Development:
The programme also offers an advantage towards continuous professional development by affording 60 credits at Master’s level. These credits may be carried forward towards a full Master’s qualification studied on a full or part time basis.

For further information see MA Education (with Pathways).

All applicants will be required to apply through UCAS Undergraduate by completing an online application form. Applications will then be assessed against the entry criteria for the relevant programme and applicants invited to attend an interview on the basis of this information.

All applicants should:

GCSE Requirements:
GCSE grade C/grade 4 or above in English Language/Welsh Language (First Language) and Mathematics or Mathematics – Numeracy (or a standard equivalent). For Physical Education only, applicants must also have GCSE Science (or a standard equivalent) at grade C/grade 4 or above.

Applicants who have achieved a D or above in GCSE (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics on application, will be considered for interview (grade 4 or above for applicants holding the newly reformed GCSEs in England).

Students studying to teach in Welsh medium schools will also need a GCSE grade C or above in Welsh (First language).

GCSE Resits:
Applicants will need to have made arrangements to resit the GCSEs in order to obtain a C grade and indicate this on the UCAS application. If successful at interview, applicants will be offered a place subject to the C grade attainment.

GCSE Equivalents:

Cardiff Met accepts equivalent qualifications for the GCSE requirements, which include examinations undertaken with Equivalency Testing, University of South Wales ,the National Extension College and A Star Equivalency. From Aberystwyth University we also accept the Mathematics equivalency module (Introduction to Mathematics 1 & 2) and the English equivalency module (English Language Skills).

Please check Cardiff Met’s requirements on C grade GCSE equivalents (or view this document in Welsh).

Initial Degree Requirements:

Whilst it is expected that the content of your degree will contain a significant proportion of the subject in which you wish to train to teach, we do favourably consider applicants whose degrees are in a subject that is closely related. Your application and interview (should you be selected) will be assessed on your potential to meet the QTS level of the Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership that relate to subject knowledge, understanding and skills, and the extent to which these can successfully underpin your practice as a teacher of a particular subject, up to and including the teaching of A level and other post-16 curricula.

Subject

Minimum degree classification at entry
(All at Honours)

Art & Design
Design Technology
Drama
​English
Geography
History
ICT and Computing
Maths¹
Modern Foreign Languages²
Music
​Physical Education³
Science: Biology
Science: Chemistry
Science: Physics
Religious Education
Welsh

2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2

¹ Applicants for PGCE Maths will also require an A-level in Maths as well as a relevant degree.
² Limited Spanish only placements are available and also French/Italian.
³ Applicants for PGCE PE are asked to evidence relevant work experience within a secondary school PE department. Applicants should demonstrate this through their UCAS application and personal statement.

Applications may be considered for certain Secondary subjects from those who have achieved below a 2:2 Honours degree, but where higher qualifications and or relevant experience have been attained, e.g. Masters, PhD.

Criminal Records/DBS Check:

Entry is also subject to a satisfactory criminal records check. More details about criminal records procedures can be found at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/dbs.

International Applicants
For international applicants, whose first language is not English, a minimum IELTS score of 7.5 overall with no sub score lower than 7.0 (or equivalent qualification) will be required for admission to the programme. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on the website.

Applications for this course for 2023 entry should be made via the UCAS Undergraduate system.

Unfortunately, due to limited numbers, applicants who choose the university as an Insurance choice may not be guaranteed a place.

UCAS Application Codes:
This course offers the following pathways of study and the associated PGCE application code should be used on your UCAS – Teacher Training application form:

Interviews are currently being held online via MS Teams. You will receive notification of your interview date via UCAS and via email from Cardiff Met. You will then receive a MS Teams invitation, with your specific interview time, from the programme team. Interviews will last approximately 30 minutes.

Extra Interview Information for PGCE Secondary PE

Applicants are required to indicate within their personal statement and inform Admissions as soon as possible, if they wish for their interview to be conducted through the medium of Welsh.

The Skills Tests that have previously been undertaken as part of your interview, will now be undertaken during the start of your course as an audit of where you may need additional support. These tests no longer form a part of your selection criteria however, you are still recommended to undertake the appropriate revision from the information on the links provided below.

There will be two tests:

1. The first test will focus on spelling, punctuation, grammar and comprehension. This test will be completed electronically on the day of interview but a printable, sample copy of the paper is available here.

This test will be 30 minutes long.

Preparation:

2. The second test will focus on reading and writing skills. It will be focussed on a journal article sent to you prior to your interview.

This test will be 30 minutes long.

Preparation:

At interview, you will be given a fresh copy of the article and given two questions to answer. You will be expected to write approximately 300 words.

The task will assess the ability to:

Applicants will complete a 30 minute task designed to evidence their personal digital skills at a basic level. This is because all teachers in Wales need to be able to consolidate and develop the digital skills of the pupils they teach, as well as using digital technology in carrying out their own professional duties.

The test will involve using basic skills in Microsoft Office, including manipulating education-related content in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Applicants would be advised to ensure they have the basic abilities required to, for example, alter font sizes, apply themes to PowerPoint presentations, and using simple Excel formulas such as SUM and AVERAGE.

Applicants who apply to train for the Welsh medium sector will be placed in Welsh medium schools and some of the university provision is through the medium of Welsh.

During the interview procedure you will be assessed on your ability in both English and Welsh.

Literacy Tests

All applicants will complete the first literacy test in English (see above for further details) Welsh medium applicants will also complete a literacy skills test in Welsh (15 mins.), which requires applicants to demonstrate their understanding of Welsh grammar. In preparation for this test we recommend that you look at the sample paper provided here and refer to the following useful text: Breese, N., Clement, B. (2011) Seren Iaith. Ceredigion: Atebol Cyfyngedig. ISBN 978-1-907004-85-8 (£5.99). The following sections will be most useful: Chwilio’r gwallau 1 pp.6-105 and pp.166-197.

All Welsh medium applicants will complete the second literacy test as above (English and Welsh versions provided) and will be asked to demonstrate their written Welsh and English in this test.

Numeracy Test

English and Welsh versions of the question paper will be provided. Applicants can choose to answer in either language.

I don’t have GCSE grade C/grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics – can I still apply for the PGCE?
Applicants with a grade D or above in English Language and Mathematics or Mathematics – Numeracy (or equivalent) will be considered for interview (grade 4 or above for applicants holding newly reformed GCSEs in England). However, applicants will need to have made arrangements to re-sit the GCSEs (or an acceptable equivalent) in order to obtain the C grade and indicate this on the UCAS Teacher Training application. If successful at interview, applicants will be offered a place subject to the attainment of grade C.

Are my qualifications acceptable?
The equivalency of overseas qualifications is determined by UK NARIC.
If you are an International student you should contact UK NARIC. If you are a Home/EU applicant please contact our Admissions team who will be able to offer further advice on your qualifications.

Do you hold Open Days?
We hold a number of online events including PGCE information throughout the year. Please check our Open Days and Events page for further information.
Also, to ensure accessibility for everybody we include all relevant PGCE information on the website and you are always welcome to contact us by phone or email.

When is the closing date for applications?
The initial deadline for applications will be January 25th 2023. After this date, we are able to close programmes if we have received enough applications. Programmes will then close as and when the course becomes full. Competition for places is extremely high for PGCE Primary and PGCE Secondary (PE) so we recommend that applications are made early in the academic year to avoid disappointment.

Do I apply directly to Cardiff Met?
No – all applications for PGCE Primary and Secondary must be made via UCAS Undergraduate. Information in relation to the application procedure and applying can be obtained at: www.ucas.com.

Will I have to complete a Criminal Records Check?
Entry is subject to a satisfactory criminal records check. More details about criminal records procedures can be found at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/dbs.

What should I do if I am a Welsh Medium Applicant?
Applicants who wish to train for the Welsh medium sector should apply for the relevant pathway through UCAS. The application codes are listed above in the How to Apply section. You will be placed in Welsh medium schools and some of the university provision is through the medium of Welsh. During the interview procedure you will be assessed on your ability in both English and Welsh.

How will I receive information about the interview?
The date of your interview can be viewed on your UCAS Hub. Information will also be sent via email from Cardiff Met.

How often are interviews held? Are there specific dates?
There are no specific dates. However you will be given sufficient notice for your interview.

How much does the PGCE course cost?
See our Fees and Finance page for further details.

Do I get a bursary?
Financial incentives and training grants may be available for PGCE Secondary students depending on your undergraduate degree classification and pathway. Please visit the Welsh Government website for further details.

Is there any other funding available?
Welsh domiciled PGCE students who choose to stay and study in Wales are also eligible to receive support from the Welsh Government in terms of the Tuition Fee Grant. For further information about the grant and to access the relevant PN1 form please visit: www.studentfinancewales.co.uk.

When does the PGCE start and finish?
For Academic Year 2023/24, the PGCE start date is September 11th 2023. The course finishes June 30th 2024.

When will I find out about school based placements? Where will they be? Can I arrange my own?
The School based placement component is undertaken in our excellent range of ‘Cardiff Partnership’ schools and settings will be primarily based within the regions associated with Central South Consortium and EAS. You cannot arrange your own placement.

Can I defer my place?
Unfortunately, we are unable to allow deferrals on our teacher training programmes.

Can I book any holidays during my studies?
Due to the professional nature of the Initial Teacher Education course, successful PGCE applicants should not book holidays during the programme. The programme typically begins in the first week in September and concludes in July.

Tuition Fees and Financial Support:

For up to date information on tuition fees and the financial support that may be available. Please refer to www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/fees.

Financial incentives and training grants may be available for PGCE Secondary students depending on your undergraduate degree classification. Please visit the Welsh Government website for further details.

In order to increase students experience a fieldwork day will be organised as part of the PGCE Geography programme in March 2021. Additional cost £25.

For general enqui​ries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email [email protected]​

For subject specific course enquiries, please contact the Programme Leaders in the first instance:

Art and Design
Eve Oliver
[email protected]

Drama
Emma Thayer: 029 2041 6535
[email protected]

Design & Technology
Jason Davies: 029 2041 6556
[email protected]

English
Dr Judith Kneen: 029 2020 5941
[email protected]

Geography
Rhian Crooks-Williams
[email protected]

History
Mark Williams: 029 2041 6546
[email protected]

ICT & Computing
Jo Farag
[email protected]

Mathematics
Cameron Stewart
[email protected]

Modern Foreign Languages
Kerry Bevan
[email protected]

Music
Tom Breeze: 029 2041 7246
[email protected]

Physical Education
Fiona Heath-Diffey
[email protected]

Religious Education
Paula Webber
[email protected]

Sciences
Dr Ceri Pugh
[email protected]

Welsh
Dr Gina Morgan: 029 2041 7251
[email protected]